TEAMtalk rates and slates the individual performances as champions Manchester City saw off last season's runners-up Liverpool.
Two goals from Stevan Jovetic and a strike from substitute Sergio Aguero helped City ease to a 3-1 victory over Liverpool, who scored a late consolation when Pablo Zabaleta put through his own goal. Check out our ratings and let us know what you think via the story comment facility.
MANCHESTER CITY
JOE HART: Momentarily looked unconvincing early on, but any thoughts Liverpool had of forcing a mistake were soon put aside with a confident and untroubled display. 7
PABLO ZABALETA: Missed City's opener due to lack of match-fitness, but was soon up to speed, providing his usual threat down the right. 7
MARTIN DEMICHELIS: Took no chances with some early clearances in the frantic early stages, looking a far more composed player than when derided in his early City days. 7
VINCENT KOMPANY: Typical commanding and inspirational display from the captain, often in the right place when needed. 8
GAEL CLICHY: Relished being back on the left-hand side, offering good attacking support. 7
SAMIR NASRI: Had a quiet start, but grew into the game and was all but running the show in the second half. 8
YAYA TOURE: Not as many of the rampaging runs, but was his usual imposing figure in possession and passed the ball well. 8
FERNANDO: Again provided the solidity he was bought for, offered great protection and refused to let Liverpool back into the game. 7
DAVID SILVA: Heavily involved early on, first on the right, then left, caused constant problems for Liverpool. 7
STEVAN JOVETIC: Delivered on the promise of pre-season, pouncing on a mistake to open the scoring and then finishing superbly for a second. 9
EDIN DZEKO: Underlined Manuel Pellegrini's point about what a good all-round player he has become, providing a great link between midfield and attack. 7
SUBSTITUTES:
JESUS NAVAS (for Silva, 65): Made an early impact to set up Aguero's goal. 7
SERGIO AGUERO (for Dzeko, 68): Still apparently not match-fit, but further displaying his clinical finishing ability. 8
FERNANDINHO (for Jovetic, 80): Made a late entrance to replace the hard-working Jovetic. 6
LIVERPOOL
SIMON MIGNOLET: A couple of comfortable early saves aside, it proved an uncomfortable night for the Belgian and some questions could be asked of his positioning. 6
GLEN JOHNSON: Unable to show much of his attacking ability and caught out a couple of times in defence as City upped the pace. 6
DEJAN LOVREN: Positioning could be questioned for all three goals. 5
MARTIN SKRTEL: Made some timely interventions in the first half and stood up well as City claimed the initiative. 7
ALBERTO MORENO: Made a promising start but all that was undone by a couple of mistakes, the most costly of which allowed Jovetic to open the scoring. 5
JOE ALLEN: Was strong early on, trying to keep a tight rein on Silva, but looked limited as the game wore on. 6
STEVEN GERRARD: Started deep, but looked to drive on attacks before his influence waned in later stages. 6
RAHEEM STERLING: Troubled City with his pace, but was ultimately well shackled by the home side. 6
JORDAN HENDERSON: Showed plenty of willingness to get forward, but was unable to build on early promise. 6
PHILLIPE COUTINHO: Moved in and out and worried City, but they eventually got to grips with him. 6
DANIEL STURRIDGE: Looked lively in the first half and did well to create chances, but was ultimately frustrated. 7
SUBSTITUTES:
LAZAR MARKOVIC (for Coutinho, 60): Unable to get into the game as City eased towards victory. 6
EMRE CAN (for Allen, 75): Had a late taste of the action but will enjoy better nights. 6
RICKIE LAMBERT (for Sterling, 79): Showed his usefulness by forcing Liverpool's consolation. 6
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